UPDATE 2 — JULY 23, 2021 — FRIDAY — 2240 PT
Incident Summary
A wildfire named the STEPTOE FIRE is burning about five miles south of Colton (Whitman County) on the Snake River near the Nisqually John Landing and about 192 miles ENE from The Dalles, Oregon in Whitman County, Washington State.
This fire is north of the Lick Creek Fire in Asotin County, Washington.
The fire ignited on Thursday from an unknown cause, prompting local, County and State fire assets and resources to be dispatched this morning around 0230 hours PT.
The fire was caused by lightning that passed over the area.
Initial Response
Whitman County Fire District #14 was first due on-scene reporting the fire had extended across hundreds of acres. Fire crews were dispatched overnight for structure protection and for life-safety activities. State mobe was approved early this morning.
Fire Resources
Lead Agency: WA State Fire Marshal’s Office.
Franklin County Fire District #3’s SE Strike Team just returned last Sunday for some much needed rest after working long hours and tirelessly in Lyle Hills (Klickitat County) and on the Red Apple Fire incidents. The Strike Team consisted of Strike Team Leader from Benton Co. 4 and Walla Walla FD. Engines from Benton Co. 1 & 2, Walla Walla Co. 4, Columbia Co. 3, College Place FD and Franklin Co. 3.
About 80 total fire personnel are assigned along with one crew and 14 engines.
Fire Command
They have now been dispatched to this new this wildfire under approved State mobe as mutual aid resources. A Type 3 IMT is on order.
Incident Cooperators
Incident Cooperators: Whitman County FD14, Asotin County FD1, City of Clarkston FD, Pullman FD, Whitman County and Franklin Co FD3, Walla Walla FD8 w/Eastern Washington State Mobe Strike Team # 1 (Walla Walla FD, city of College Place, WW FD4, Columbia FD3, Clarkston FD, Super Scoopers 283.
Current Status
About 2,700 acres of grass and brush have burned and there is a 20% containment status.
Fire behavior is moderate with some backing down slope and smoldering. with uphill runs, backing downslope and smoldering.
There are NO active evacuation orders in effect at this time.
Closures
- Steptoe Canyon Road from Rimrock Road to Snake River
Damage Assessment
One structure has been lost. Total CTD is $150,000.
Hashtags
#SteptoeCanyonFire #WAwildfires #FireSeason2021
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